yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Xperia Play Android Development] Mills00013:
Because the FreeXperia team officially supports the CDMA Play, and the team is now integrated into the CM team, i think its safe to assume that support will continue.
[Xperia Play Android Development] paxChristos:
I don't know, you'd have to ask him
[Xperia Play Android Development] Leraeniesh:
Wanting to unlock my friend's Play

Can someone link me to the paid solution?
[Xperia Play Android Development] hexen2006:
Send a private message to Alejandrissimo. He will help you unlock your bootloader via remote assistance, it will post you about 17 euros
[Xperia Play Android Development] decaydance99:
good info

there is a lot of good info in this thread, i just want to recap before i go mess up my phone :)

so i unlock my bootloader through anjaralasdo(misspelled) and then i will root my device.

how do i go about rooting the play after unlocking using his method. and i have been reading and what is this fastboot? i had a VZW Fascinate and we used ODIN3 to flash all of our stuff from our computer, is that what fastboot is for the VZW play? and then after all that i follow this thread to install CM7

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1128216

is this all right? thanks for the response in advance.
[Xperia Play Android Development] AndroHero:
You don't need to root if you want to install CM7. The rom will come rooted. Fastboot is the bootloader, by bootloader unlocking your device you are gaining two things. The ability to flash unsigned images and the ability to issue remote commands to your device while it is in fastboot mode via your PC.
[Xperia Play Android Development] decaydance99:
Ahh ok that makes sense. How do you flash the rom? After you unlock the bootloader? Do you install CWM and then flash the rom? Correct?
[Xperia Play Android Development] 007shark:
After you unlock the bootloader, you can simply fastboot the ROM. example cmd prompt : fastboot flash system system.img

CWM is handy for making nandroid backups and restores or applying update.zip, but not needed to flash a ROM.
[Xperia Play Android Development] decaydance99:
Okok i used to flash everything through CWM when I was on my fascinate. I'll have to find a place to use commands in a terminal. Gonna pm anajaraludo to get unlock
[Xperia Play Android Development] Logseman:
Actually now CWM is the preferred method to flash things.
[Xperia Play Android Development] decaydance99:
ok i pm THe guy just waiting for a response. can any one link me to the CWM thread
[Xperia Play Android Development] MearWolf:
I have a SIM locked PLAY is there still a way to unlock the bootloader and root it?
[Xperia Play Android Development] remy2501:
please excuse my noobie questions, i just got my r800x and am reading around trying to get the 411 on the process of getting root access, want to free up space from bloatware. i come from using the first gen incredible which is quite simple to gain root, either by one click method, or by adb.

from what i think i understand, there is no simple root method unless you unlock the bootloader correct? is there any guide or info on the bootloader process? i can't afford sending someone money to unlock my device, i would rather do the work myself to be honest, pretty poor here. i'm coming in late to the show, could you guys help fill me in on whats going on right now pertaining to the r800x version of the xplay? thanks in advance, this is my second smartphone, my incredible got its screen smashed at work, i was unable to afford the deductible on my phone and i seen that the xplay was going for 50$, after my upgrade discount i paid 20$ for my xplay, so far pretty happy cept the fact that there is no space for apps. if i can save money by doing the work myself it would be greatly apreciated..
[Xperia Play Android Development] NeoandGeo:
Unfortunately the paid route is the only way to go I believe.
[Xperia Play Android Development] Leraeniesh:
From what I believe, the free method if unlocking the bootloader for the R800x no longer works, so the paid unlock is the only way to unlock the bootloader, and in turn gain root.
[Xperia Play Android Development] remy2501:
who is doing it?
[Xperia Play Android Development] solitarymonkey:
And the only way to do it without paying someone to do it for you, is to spend even more on the tool you need, and will only use once. So.. Not a lot of choice if it's something you really want to do, unfortunately.. It's only about 20 bucks, so think about it :-)
[Xperia Play Android Development] solitarymonkey:
Alejandrissimo has a thread in general I believe. It's titled something like remote unlock, blah blah blah.
[Xperia Play Android Development] remy2501:
is there any other people doing the unlocking as well?
[Xperia Play Android Development] NeoandGeo:
How much is the tool itself? Maybe someone else can get some competition going on in the unlocking market. :p
[Xperia Play Android Development] paxChristos:
He ruins out pretty much at cost (no profit) so good luck with competition...
[Xperia Play Android Development] NeoandGeo:
Interesting. What costs are involved?
[Xperia Play Android Development] Mogul345:
IIRC, there was some sort of dongle box he had to purchase initially, and then the unlocking software. For every phone he unlocks, he has to pay the unlocking software company for another key to do the unlocking.
[Xperia Play Android Development] NeoandGeo:
Gotcha, I was under the assumption there was hardware that was bought that could do the unlocking and that was the only investment other than time. :D
[Xperia Play Android Development] Jinx13:
I am :) I have a thread HERE
[Xperia Play Android Development] crono141:
So, root has been achieved through the zergRush technique on R800x without unlocking the bootloader. As far as I know this is the first time we have root access without an unlocked bootloader. Does this buy us anything as far as bootloader unlocking goes?
[Xperia Play Android Development] paxChristos:
Nope.
[Xperia Play Android Development] NeoandGeo:
Would it be at all possible to have ROMs that can be used with a locked bootloader, ala Droid X? I guess noone would even bother since the bootloader on the majority of the phones can be unlocked.
[Xperia Play Android Development] Jinx13:
I can unlock the bootloader on R800x and enable fastboot
[Xperia Play Android Development] The Physician:
I think he means a free way. Lol. Some of us, myself included, are lucky to afford food. Can't blow $20 on unlocks.
[Xperia Play Android Development] hatcyl:
You pay 30/mo for data, I'm sure you have plenty to eat.
[Xperia Play Android Development] Mills00013:
I just couldn't quite think of the right words to express that exact thought. Glad you got it covered for us :D
[Xperia Play Android Development] netizenmt:
Unlocking the Bootloader is only necessary to install Custom ROMs, Overclock, Custom Recovery etc. Your Bootloader does -not- need to be unlocked to root the phone, and root is all you need to clear out the bloatware.

Use the method here to root (and yes this is free although the creator wouldn't mind a donation I'm sure!) :D

---------- Post added at 05:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:48 AM ----------

Sounded so much better than calling him a cheap @$$ :D
[Xperia Play Android Development] Tergazzi:
Im kinda curious as to why the information on how to do this ourselves isnt being shared? Information on how to flash/root/unlock BL has always been made available to the community.

and yes i read the OP, but i still want to know what the deciding factor was for not sharing it other than just... "I decided not to, but you can contact so and so, and pay for it."
[Xperia Play Android Development] Hogwarts:
I think because a private company has the info on how to do it

and they are keeping it a secret by keeping all the tools and unlock credits exclusive to their end.

AKA: They are profiteers not interested in helping other people. just about making CASH.

Also to the little smart heads who are telling people "oh you have money for a data plan" that is simply rude and a general assumption made out of ignorance.

I know for a fact that people buy BAD ESN phones for very cheap prices just to tinker with them as a hobby. Not only would you get a powerful gaming device but you also get an amazing micro processor & with a home or city Wi-Fi connection you can do anything you could do on a "data plan"

So yes some people cant afford unlocks or apps or anything else for that matter especially if you're on government assistance or having financial troubles like previous user expressed.
[Xperia Play Android Development] Tergazzi:
I would agree, except there are people here on this thread who can do it but charge instead. I do agree with the profiteer comment, just not the Private Company part.

by the way i friggin love your signature!... LMFAO!
[Xperia Play Android Development] Logseman:
This last couple of posts is offensive, particularly in Hogwarts' case, because I personally explained it to him. That, when he knows the truth, he chooses to lie and deceive others says a lot of him, I daresay.

The bootloader was not cracked/deciphered. The way some people got free unlocks was with the old R800i official unlocking site. Basically there was a breach which allowed MEID numbers (CDMA identificators) to be translated into bogus IMEI numbers (GSM identificators). Some big mouthed fool leaked the info, Sony Ericsson shut the site for maintenance and they fixed the exploit.

I'm sure you all like conspiracy theories, but please abstain from accusing people who gave their efforts and time so generously without any base. One of the folks involved bricked a phone for good while tinkering with the unlock thing. And that was when they didn't sell for cheap, mind you.

Dare I say, if you're living of welfare benefits, you're not buying smartphones.
[Xperia Play Android Development] Jinx13:
Because the information has been shared...

By sony ericsson themselves and s1tool however

These methods provide on having fastboot enabled which comes during the sim unlock process which costs money ;)

Jinx13
[Xperia Play Android Development] Hogwarts:
Jinx13 I thought we found out my r800x is unlocked already when I put a nextel sim card in there and it read all the carrier info?

care to explain upon that
[Xperia Play Android Development] Leraeniesh:
Your R800x is not unlocked.

Sent from R800x
[Xperia Play Android Development] Jinx13:
Sorry mate could you explain what we said?

I have done a lot of phones so it is difficult to keep track.

I have bootloader unlocked many of R800x for people.

What messenger did you use to contact me as I can check the conversation

EDIT

I remember now I asked you for more information via PM about service menu and never got a reply.

Jinx13
[Xperia Play Android Development] XperianceIT:
Ok, so if my information is correct... it costs money because, you have to use a tool called SEtool 1,2, or 3 in order to get the unlock key, but in order to get the key you have to first purchase "credits" to use in SEtool server, and those can only be purchased in a quantity of like 30 or 60 or something at a time, which isnt very cheap. Then you have to use the paperclip or a Test Point cable and ground out the test point on the phone to a ground like the sim cover. Now is the paperclip method the part that unlocks the sim card? and my next question is those of you who know how to do this, why hasn't a guide been made to teach others how to do it? Im not saying anything about free, (i understand this is a money maker for some of you, and if thats the case, PM me and teach me, and after i purchase my credits and unlock my phone I will let you use me to get unlock codes for yourself to use, so not to take any business away from you, untill my credits are gone.) I understand it costs money and i am willing to pay for the credits and all that, but I would like to know how to do it all myself, step by step, from getting the SEtool, to purchasing the credits, to using the paperclip/test point cable, to actually unlocking the sim and bootloader. I dont even want to make money from this and have no desire to do so, your market on this is safe from me..... lol

I wont be able to buy credits till payday though, Soldier's dont get paid a lot, espescially when its the only income for a family of 5.

Hopefully this wasnt meant to be secret, if it is, please delete my post, and PM me, so we can discuss this further. thank you.
[Xperia Play Android Development] Jinx13:
Ok mate basically this is instructions...

1. Search google for "setool box" (shop around as you can get it cheaper)

They usually range from $60-$200 USD

Make sure you get one with a smart card and not just the box.

Also see if it is activated.

2. If the box is not activated then you need to go to HERE to activate it that costs 20 credits

3. Go HERE this is setool F.A.Q where you can find official resellers and instructions on how to do operations.

That is about it.

I don't think people get it, this is no secret it is just money. Anyone can go search google to buy setool box just like I did. I'm will to help anyone get into the unlocking business but it is not about code it is about money and pressing the correct buttons.

Credits come in multiple of 30 but again shop around to try get the best price.

So as you can see it's not just about getting setool and then getting credits you have to buy the smart card for the software to work. You can PM me if you need a remote session to unlock your phone or want information on setool or unlocking. I will not make a guide on operating setool as it is freely availible on support.setool.net which is the official forum.

EDIT

Infact a recent customer of mine asked my permission to record the remote session so when that is ready people are welcome to view what is involved and what goes into it.

Maybe then select few members and mods etc will actually understand some things
[Xperia Play Android Development] XperianceIT:
That info is more than helpful! I spent along time researching/figuring it all out, i had to basically use google, and take tid bits of info then piece it all together, cause there was no straight guide. I know im still missing the main steps of how to actually use the toolbox, but you gave me the link, which filled in a lot of my holes!... lol
[Xperia Play Android Development] Leraeniesh:
I had mine unlocked by ashergrey when he first got the unlock solution, so I havent tried this.

But it looks like over on the RAY boards you can unlock your bootlaoder via the testpoints, but it doesent seem to cost any money (may be just wrong and retarded here). It says it supports PLAY, can someone try this? http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1363847
[Xperia Play Android Development] antEris:
I read over the instructions. Holy crap! Unless they are leaving out something it seems to require no money. If my BL wasn't already unlocked I'd try it. But this is promising! Hopefully this will help r800x users get unchained as I think technically we are "bootloader unlock - yes". If anyone is brave enough to try it make sure to post the results back here.
[Xperia Play Android Development] Leraeniesh:
Same here. My friend has a locked bootloader on his 800x, but I wouldent be able to test this method untill February
[Xperia Play Android Development] antEris:
Ok, I just re-read it. I swear it LOOKS like the only thing required is fastboot. Which ALL R800xs have! Dang I wish I could test it! >.>

Edit: where did all the folks complaining about locked bootloaders go! Get to hacking! :)
[Xperia Play Android Development] Leraeniesh:
Im getting Hogwarts to test it atm. Will post results soon.
[Xperia Play Android Development] XperianceIT:
I inquired about this about 3 weeks ago, and was told I would still need a unlock key, as the paper clip to the test points only enable fast boot or something.

XperianceIT
[Xperia Play Android Development] Leraeniesh:
Well I guess we will find out soon.
[Xperia Play Android Development] XperianceIT:
I will be happy as hell if it works!

XperianceIT
[Xperia Play Android Development] Hogwarts:
Wont accept any custom boot.img from flash tool

I dont think it worked

IT also didnt give me the completed message on the method.
[Xperia Play Android Development] antEris:
That sucks, I was really hoping this could get r800x folks some unlock love.
[Xperia Play Android Development] DubleJayJ:
Didn't work on my end either.

Look's like it doesn't work on the play.

Why not just publicly share how to unlock the bootloader?
[Xperia Play Android Development] XperianceIT:
It is shared, the reason it costs money is cause you have to buy a box which is anywhere from $67-100+, then you have to buy credits which you use to get the key. The credits can only be bought in bundles, smallest bundle is 30, which is about another $40-60. That's why it costs money. Just to get started, your looking at almost $200. I would charge too if I just spent $200 on the equipment to do it. Our phones are a pain in the butt unfortunately.

XperianceIT
[Xperia Play Android Development] DubleJayJ:
Why can't Verizon just ****ing let us unlock the damn thing? They let every other phone ( except Bionic ) to be unlocked. Why not this one?
[Xperia Play Android Development] antEris:
Sounds like a good question to ask Verizon :)
[Xperia Play Android Development] netizenmt:
It was pretty obvious from the first look that it wouldn't work. Our Service menu doesn't look anything like the one in the picture. It talks about IMEI and we have MEID, and there isn't a question one way or another about the bootloader being locked.
[Xperia Play Android Development] DubleJayJ:
My cousin works for Verizon...I'll ask him.

Or I could call.
[Xperia Play Android Development] Jinx13:
It can be unlocked, just not for free
[Xperia Play Android Development] DubleJayJ:
Exactly, why doesn't Verizon let us unlock it for free?
[Xperia Play Android Development] Leraeniesh:
I hope you know this is VERIZON we're talking about.
[Xperia Play Android Development] Jinx13:
It is not just Verizon though is it?? My ARC from O2 aswell as many other models/carriers came with fastboot disabled.

That is the whole issue here really isn't it.

Phones with fastboot disabled cannot be unlocked the official way just like mine from O2 UK.

There has been hundreds of members from this forum alone in exactly the same situation and they all paid for the unlock.

So it's not just Verizon will not let you unlock it for free.

Jinx13
[Xperia Play Android Development] antEris:
#$*@! I don't comprehend, how you folks can't get it through your heads! The unlock method being used on sim locked and r800x phones is UNRELATED to any Verizon or Sony Ericsson policy on unlocked bootloaders on simlocked and/or contract phones. It is a Sony Ericsson tool for DEVELOPERS to unlock any SE phone for development purposes. Its not that Verizon, any other fat cat "overlord" corporation, or the individuals who happen to have the software and are offering to share the use of it are forcing you to pay for ANYTHING. The obvious stance on r800x bootloaders, whether its Verizon or SE making that decision, is that they are NOT authorized for an OEM unlock. You bought a subsidized phone!!! Subsidized!!!! Either #%$*ing deal with it, or skirt the system and drop a couple bucks (still less than those using the "free" method payed for their phones) to use a tool not intended for mass consumption to unshackle your phone!
[Xperia Play Android Development] netizenmt:
So, what are you trying to say? <ducks and runs for cover> :D
[Xperia Play Android Development] kiwiBratwurst:
Edit:stupid comment removed.. Sorry, if an op actually reads this thread (its alot of crap to sort through so I highly doubt it) but feel free to delete this comment :)

Cheers

Kiwi
[Xperia Play Android Development] DubleJayJ:
You can unlock this phone on every provider but Verizon.

Verizon, what the ****? Why can't you let us have fun? They remove unlimited data, and make you pay $15 for every gig, and then $10 for every extra gig you go over.
[Xperia Play Android Development] Selim873:
Definitely! I got the Unlimited Plan not long before they got rid of it. My family is planning on leaving Verizon after my mother's 2 year contract goes out. That shouldn't be much longer either. Not sure if I want to stay on Android or just switch to the iPhone, the Verizon Xperia Play was SO limited, so iOS wouldn't bother me right now. ;)

EDIT: One reason why the Verizon Play can't be unlocked is also because the Verizon Play model doesn't have a SIM card installed. Not even a slot if I'm correct.
[Xperia Play Android Development] JelloFreak:
The Verizon Play does have a sim card slot, although it does nothing. The Verizon Play can be unlocked. It used to be able to be done through the actual sony servers. Because our phones are subsidized they are not authorized to be unlocked so Sony Ericson patched the exploit to use an IMEI instead of MEID to generate unlock codes from the official Sony Ericson site.
[Xperia Play Android Development] paxChristos:
You got it backwards, buddy. IMEI is what's used to generate unlock codes. MEID it's what we have on cdma phones :p
[Xperia Play Android Development] JelloFreak:
Oops, the rest is right though ;)

fixed now xD
[Xperia Play Android Development] paxChristos:
For the most part :p

We aren't "authorized" but there are ways *cough* http://www.unlock-bootloader.com *cough*

That and they used a flaw in the web design to circumvent the check to see if non-number characters were included in the device code.
[Xperia Play Android Development] netizenmt:
For my own part, I'm getting rather tired of the anti-Verizon whine. It seems most of the people posting them don't even pay for their service, their parents do!

It has been my personal experience that Verizon has been the most reliable and widely available service for a long time, while others such as AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile have either spotty or no service in many areas. If that reliability comes at the price of less accessibility to customize the phone without spending a small amount of money, then so be it. You get what you pay for.

What it really comes down to is greed - people wants everything for free. But Life doesn't work that way, and sometimes we just have to face that fact and get on with it. Life isn't fair, and anyone who tries to tell you differently is selling something.

So, suck it up, save your local currency instead of spending it all on beer, cigs and munchies, and pay someone to unlock your phone. Or not, but stop whining about it. There -is- a solution, and that's it.
[Xperia Play Android Development] paxChristos:
Bravo good sir. In fact the reason I changed to Verizon was about 20 miles outside Yuma, AZ, 5 miles from the nearest town, in the middle of the desert, on my 2 week reserve duty, Verizon had 3g coverage. ATT... You were lucky if you had edge. T-Mobile/Sprint... You were lucky if you even had service...

Yes, each network operator has it's pluses and minuses. Get over it. I paid for my bootloader to be unlocked. So can you. It's not that hard (hint: depending on whether you live, 6 Starbucks drinks or 3/4 packs of smokes or 5 bags of chips equal unlocking your bootloader.) If you don't have a job, I suggest starting your search at yourtownhere.craigslist.org...